Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Formation at Tyndale will facilitate the deepening of your love for God and others through the practice of spiritual disciplines, spiritual retreats, personal refl​ections, and communal worship. This program is geared towards teaching you the transformational process of how to become like Jesus, how to facilitate spiritual growth and discernment, how to hear God’s voice, and how to guide others to learn the same as a Spiritual Director.

Upon completion, our graduates find employment in:

Pastoral ministry

Para-church organizations

Spiritual Direction

Certified Spiritual Director

Youth Ministry

Missions

Workplace settings

Retreat Coordinator/Speaker

Christian Education

Academic/Research

Theologically and Practically Based

Our faculty will give you an informational and formational learning experience on how to have a deeper relationship with God in your daily life. Our program explores Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and Celtic church traditions with a focus on an Evangelical perspective of Spiritual Formation. In addition to core academic courses, our program introduces you to off-campus spiritual retreats that integrate silence and solitude, spiritual disciplines, and spiritual exercises.

Internships

Our program includes two semesters of spiritual direction internships as well as courses on critical topics such as Prayer and the People of God, Protestant Spiritual Traditions, and, Finding Your Way: Principles of Spiritual Direction. Throughout the program you will be guided and supervised by Certified Spiritual Directors.

Certified Spiritual Director Preparation

Our program prepares you with the educational requirements to become a Certified Spiritual Director (CSD), a designation granted by the Canadian Council for Professional Certification. The combination of academic study and applied spiritual direction internships gives you the foundation to serve in various ministry or workplace settings.

The Master of Divinity is a three-year professional ministry degree that provides you with knowledge and skills to be an effective and holistic ministry leader. The MDiv blends academic study, mentored learning and practical experience in a comprehensive program that will prepare you for ordained ministry or for Christian leadership in its various forms.

MDiv students will acquire foundational preparation for ordained ministry and for Christian leadership in congregations and other settings. Students will:

develop breadth of knowledge and critical understanding of the theological disciplines;

acquire capacities for understanding and engaging the cultural, social, and global context of God’s mission in the world;

experience personal and professional growth through a process of intellectual, spiritual and ministry formation;

develop and hone skills for theologically reflective ministry practice in its various forms.

Electives (3 Courses)

Total MDiv Courses: 27

The Master of Theological Studies is a two-year graduate degree that helps you understand the biblical, theological and historical foundations of the Christian faith. The MTS is flexible program that can be tailored to meet your learning and ministry interests, or help you prepare you for further studies. Students may select electives from across the curriculum, or use them to focus their studies in a chosen concentration.

Students completing the MTS program will acquire a broad understanding of the theological disciplines for Christian faith and practice. Students will:

gain theological understanding and insight through study of the heritage of Christian scripture, history, theology and ministry;

develop aptitudes for thinking critically, theologically and biblically in relation to faith, vocation and ministry;

acquire critical awareness of God’s mission in the world in its social, cultural and global contexts;

demonstrate depth of understanding in a particular field (for those opting to concentrate in an area of study).

The MTS Modular is a specialized, cohort-based program that allows students to complete the degree, one evening per week, in a fixed sequence of courses delivered over three years.

Electives (8 Courses)

Total MTS Courses: 18

The one-year Graduate Diploma program provides you with a foundation of biblical, theological and ministry studies for your spiritual growth and ministry development. The Graduate Diploma allows you to tailor your studies to meet your learning and ministry needs. You may choose a concentration in Christian Studies, Leadership, Global Mission and Intercultural Studies, Pastoral and Chinese Ministry Foundations, Pentecostal Studies, Spiritual Formation or Youth and Family Ministry.

The Diploma in Christian Studies may also be taken on Monday evenings in a modular, cohort-based format with a fixed sequence of nine (9) courses delivered over one and a half years. The MTS (Christian Studies) may be taken entirely online.

All successfully-completed coursework can be transferred to the MDiv and MTS programs.

The Master of Theology is an advanced academic degree that provides you with an opportunity for in-depth study at an advanced level.

Students completing the Master of Theology degree will be prepared for further studies at the doctoral level and/or for the scholarly enhancement of their ministerial and missional practice. Students will:

acquire advanced, in-depth knowledge and competence in one of the following disciplines: Old Testament, New Testament, Theology (including Spiritual Theology) or Church History;

develop advanced skills in theological research and writing, including engagement with primary resources, scholarly exchange in a peer community, and communication of research results for the church and the academy;

With the option of a thesis and a non-thesis route, you can tailor your education experience to best fit your academic or ministry goals. To do a ThM in this specific study area you will need to take electives specific to the study area.

Program Requirements

ThM Courses (4):

[INTD 0900] Interdisciplinary Seminar: Text and Interpretation*

One other ThM Interdisciplinary Seminar

[INTD 0920] Advanced Research Methods

OLDT, NEWT, THEO or HIST 0901 Directed Readings

Advanced MDiv/MTS/ThM Courses (2)

Courses in subject area

Thesis (2)

OLDT, NEWT, THEO or HIST 0911 Thesis Research and Writing

(In lieu of a thesis, students taking the non-thesis option shall take two additional courses in their subject area as approved by the Director. Please refer to Seminary Thesis Handbook)

Total Degree Courses: 8

Notes:
* Students whose subject area is Spiritual Theology may substitute INTD 0950 ThM Interdisciplinary Seminar: Spiritual Theology for INTD 0900: Text and Interpretation.
** Course choices should be made in consultation with the Director.

The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program is designed to enhance your spiritual, intellectual and professional abilities in Christian ministry. You will learn how to combine academic research, spiritual formation and applied ministry strategies in this 3-year, in-ministry program. Join a collaborative, peer-to-peer learning environment. You will experience personal, professional and spiritual growth leading to a greater effectiveness in ministry. Pursue your DMin in Leadership Development or Spiritual Formation. This Doctor of Ministry degree will help equip you to navigate the complexities of life and ministry in the 21st century church. Visit the Doctor of Ministry website for detailed information.

Whether you're interested in vocational ministry and leadership or personal study and enrichment, Tyndale offers a wide range of degree options that will meet your needs and goals.

Graduate Diploma**

MTSMaster of Theological Studies**

MDivMaster of Divinity***

ThMMaster of Theology

DMinDoctor of Ministry

A program geared toward adult learners interested in being equipped for ministry in their chosen profession

A degree that will develop students' theological understanding for general educational purposes

A degree designed primarily for those considering vocational, church-based ministry

An advanced academic degree that provides an opportunity toexplore biblical, theological or historical studies in preparation for a PhD or ThD program

An advanced professional degree designed for church leaders whose ministry will be integrated into their study and research

Description

9

18

27

6 courses + thesis

6 intensive modules + a major project

Courses
Required

1 year

2 years

3 years

1 year

3 years

Duration*

Want to enhance your biblical and theological understandings in a setting that will engage your intellect and deepen your faith

Are seeking a foundational graduate degree that can be utilized in a wide range of professional and ministerial contexts

Wish to prepare for ordained ministry or for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings

Have completed an MDiv or MTS and wish to enhance your ministerial and missional practice with additional scholarship, or prepare for further study at the doctoral level

Have completed an MDiv or equivalent and are engaged in substantive ministry further developing your skills and capacities for effective leadership

Pursue if...

Notes:
* Program durations are based on a traditional, full-time course load of nine courses per year.
** Also offered in a modular format designed to meet the needs of students with full-time demands such as family, church or career.
*** Tyndale also offers an In-Ministry MDiv degree program for people who are engaged in part-time or full-time in vocational Christian ministry.

Dr. Sherbino has been a faculty member at Tyndale Seminary since 1987, serving previously as Chair of the Pastoral Ministries Department, Coordinator of the Worship and Liturgy program and Dean of the Chapel. He is presently coordinating the program in Spiritual Formation. Dr. Sherbino has served in several congregations in Canada and is presently the Senior Minister of Cornerstone Community Church (Presbyterian) in Kleinburg.

A commissioned officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, he served for four years as Regimental Chaplain to the Queen’s York Rangers. A popular speaker and church consultant, he regularly addresses various church and ministry groups in Canada and overseas. He has written many articles for church press publications and has recently published Foundations for Christian Living and Marriage Preparation Manual and Re:Connect Spiritual Exercises to Develop Intimacy with God. His work on spiritual formation has been produced on several videos. Dr. Sherbino is involved in adjunct teaching at various theological schools, including the South Asia Institute for Advanced Christian Studies (India), the Alliance Biblical Seminary (The Philippines), a BGST (Singapore), and at McMaster Divinity College (Hamilton, ON).

Dr. Ngien has taught at the Toronto School of Theology, McMaster Divinity College and several seminaries abroad. He is the author of The Suffering of God according to Martin Luther's Theologia Crucis (1995; reprint 2003 and 2005); Apologetic for Filioque in Medieval Theology (2005); Luther as a Spiritual Adviser: The Interface of Theology and Piety in Luther's Devotional Writings (2007); A Faith Worth Believing, Living and Commending (2008); Gifted Response: The Triune God as the Causative Agency of our Responsive Worship (2008); and Giving Wings to the Soul (2011). His next book Interpretation of Love -- God's and Ours, is scheduled to be published early 2013. His articles have appeared in journals such as International Journal of Systematic Theology, Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology, Evangelical Review of Theology, Themelios, Heythrop Journal, etc. His article, The God Who suffers, appeared at Christianity Today's 50th anniversary webpage, and is considered as one of the significant works. Founder of Centre for Mentorship and Theological Reflection (dennisngiencentre.ca), he spends time in mentoring scholars, theological students, pastors, church leaders and assisting churches in advisory and teaching capacities. Recently he was nominated as "Research Scholar in Theology" at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford University, where he is on residence at different periods of the academic year.

One Course at a Time

If you have completed a baccalaureate degree and wish to take graduate-level course you can become an occasional student or audit a course. Or if you are registered at another graduate theological institution and are eligible to take courses at Tyndale Seminary, you can submit a Letter of Permission.

The following is a list of all degrees, diplomas, and areas of study offered at Tyndale Seminary. As a graduate theological school, Tyndale Seminary admits students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college (see admissions requirements). Click on each of the items below to find descriptions, opportunities and course requirements.